Daniel 2:2

KJV

Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the king {H4428} commanded {H559} to call {H7121} the magicians {H2748}, and the astrologers {H825}, and the sorcerers {H3784}, and the Chaldeans {H3778}, for to shew {H5046} the king {H4428} his dreams {H2472}. So they came {H935} and stood {H5975} before {H6440} the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the king ordered the magicians, exorcists, sorcerers and astrologers summoned to interpret the king's dreams to him. They came and stood in his presence.

Berean Standard Bible

So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,

American Standard Version

Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the enchanters, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:2 vividly portrays King Nebuchadnezzar's urgent and desperate response to a deeply troubling, yet forgotten, dream. In a move that underscores his profound distress and the perceived gravity of the situation, the king summons the most esteemed and powerful advisors of his Babylonian court—the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and Chaldeans—not merely to interpret his vision, but to first reveal its very content. This unprecedented and seemingly impossible command immediately sets the stage for a profound demonstration of the inherent limitations of human wisdom and the ultimate, exclusive sovereignty of God's revelatory power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:2 immediately follows the narrative's inciting incident in [Daniel 2:1](/daniel/2-1 "Daniel 2:1 - Nebuchadnezzar's Troubling Dream"), where King Nebuchadnezzar is introduced as deeply disturbed by a dream he cannot recall. This verse initiates the king's direct action, setting in motion the dramatic confrontation between human wisdom and divine revelation that defines the chapter. The summoning of these specific groups of "wise men" is not arbitrary; it establishes the full extent of Babylonian intellectual and spiritual resources, whose collective failure in subsequent verses, such as [Daniel 2:10-11](/daniel/2-10-11 "Daniel 2:10-11 - The Chaldeans' Inability to Reveal the Dream"), will powerfully highlight the unique, God-given ability of Daniel. This verse, therefore, acts as a crucial narrative pivot, transitioning from the king's internal crisis to his external, official response, which ultimately paves the way for God's intervention through His prophet.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was a pinnacle of Mesopotamian civilization, renowned for its advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and various forms of divination. Kings regularly employed and consulted a class of "wise men" to interpret omens, advise on state affairs, and discern divine will or fate. The categories listed—magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and Chaldeans—represent the highest echelons of this intellectual and spiritual elite. "Chaldeans" in this context often referred to a specialized, learned, and priestly class deeply involved in astral sciences and divination, distinct from the broader ethnic group. Nebuchadnezzar, as the most powerful monarch of his era, would have commanded the largest and most skilled assembly of such advisors. His demand, however, was highly unusual and unprecedented: requiring them to *know* the dream's content, not just interpret it, placed an impossible burden on their human-derived wisdom and occult practices, exposing their inherent limitations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational for several major themes woven throughout the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the **limitations of human wisdom and occult practices** when confronted with true divine mystery. Despite their revered status and vast accumulated knowledge, Babylon's "wise men" are utterly incapable of meeting the king's demand, thereby demonstrating that genuine revelation originates solely from God. This failure sets up a powerful contrast with **divine sovereignty and revelation**, a theme explicitly articulated by Daniel in [Daniel 2:27-28](/daniel/2-27-28 "Daniel 2:27-28 - Daniel's Declaration of God's Ability to Reveal Secrets"). Secondly, the king's desperate command underscores the theme of **God's ultimate control over earthly kingdoms and rulers**. Even a mighty emperor like Nebuchadnezzar is unknowingly a pawn in God's larger plan, which unfolds through a seemingly insignificant dream, ultimately revealing God's supreme authority over all earthly powers, as further emphasized in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Magicians (Hebrew, _charṭôm'_):** From a root suggesting a graving tool or stylus, referring to those who write or draw magical lines or circles. This term denotes a class of sacred scribes or interpreters of omens, often associated with secret arts and ancient texts in both Egyptian and Babylonian contexts. They were considered experts in arcane knowledge and ritualistic practices.
* **Chaldeans (Hebrew, _Kasdîy'_):** While ethnically referring to the inhabitants of Chaldea, in this specific context, it signifies a specialized, elite priestly or learned class. These individuals were highly esteemed for their profound knowledge in divination, astronomy, and occult sciences, often regarded as the most influential and knowledgeable among Babylon's "wise men." Their inclusion underscores the king's exhaustive search for answers from the highest echelons of Babylonian wisdom.
* **Shew (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to front," or "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication, "to manifest" or "to announce." In this context, it specifically means "to expose," "to predict," or "to explain." The king's demand for them "to shew the king his dreams" implies not merely interpretation, but the revelation of the dream's content itself, a task demonstrably beyond human capability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans":** This opening clause establishes the king's immediate, authoritative, and comprehensive response to his distress. He issues a direct summons, gathering the four primary categories of his most trusted and revered advisors. This exhaustive list highlights the king's thoroughness in seeking an answer from every available source of occult or learned wisdom within his vast empire, demonstrating the severity of his spiritual and emotional turmoil.
* **"for to shew the king his dreams":** This phrase encapsulates the core of the king's impossible demand and the central conflict of the chapter. Nebuchadnezzar is not merely requesting an interpretation of a remembered dream; he is challenging these "wise men" to demonstrate supernatural insight by revealing the dream's forgotten content. This unprecedented requirement serves as an ultimate test, designed to prove the authenticity of their claims to divine knowledge and expose any charlatanry.
* **"So they came and stood before the king":** This concluding clause depicts the immediate and unquestioning obedience of the summoned advisors. They present themselves before the king, ready to fulfill their traditional roles. The visual of them "standing before the king" powerfully conveys the immense pressure they are now under, poised between the potential for spectacular success and the certainty of utter failure.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Enumeration** is prominently featured with the explicit listing of "magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans." This detailed catalog emphasizes the king's comprehensive and desperate attempt to consult every available source of wisdom, showcasing the breadth of Babylonian occult knowledge and the king's thoroughness. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing** as the king's impossible demand sets the stage for the inevitable and dramatic failure of these human-dependent "wise men," thereby clearing the way for the divine revelation that only Daniel, empowered by God, can provide. This collective failure, in turn, creates a profound sense of **Irony**, as the very individuals expected to possess supernatural insight and divine connection are shown to be utterly devoid of it when confronted with a genuine divine mystery. The king's command also serves as a potent **Catalyst**, initiating the central conflict of the chapter and propelling the narrative toward God's ultimate intervention through His chosen servant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:2 functions as a powerful theological statement regarding the inherent limits of human wisdom and the exclusive nature of divine revelation. It unequivocally demonstrates that even the most advanced and revered human knowledge, especially that rooted in occult practices, is utterly insufficient to comprehend or manipulate divine mysteries. This scene establishes a stark dichotomy: the impotence of worldly wisdom versus the omnipotence and omniscience of the one true God. The king's impossible demand forces a confrontation that exposes the charade of false spirituality and prepares the way for God to demonstrate His unparalleled ability to reveal "deep and hidden things" ([Daniel 2:22](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Deep and Hidden Things")). This profound theological truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that genuine insight into God's plans and purposes comes not from human ingenuity or forbidden arts, but solely through His sovereign choice to reveal Himself to those He wills.

* [Isaiah 44:25](/isaiah/44-25 "Isaiah 44:25 - God Frustrates the Omens of Liars")
* [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - Where is the Wise Person?")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - For the Lord Gives Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:2 offers a profound and timeless lesson for contemporary believers: the inherent limitations of human wisdom and the ultimate necessity of divine revelation. In a world that often places supreme trust in scientific advancement, technological solutions, psychological insights, or various forms of worldly counsel, this verse challenges us to recognize that there are mysteries and challenges that defy all human solutions. Just as Nebuchadnezzar's wise men were utterly powerless before a forgotten dream, so too are we often powerless before life's deepest questions, spiritual battles, or the complexities of God's unfolding plan. This passage calls us to profound humility, urging us to acknowledge that true wisdom, ultimate guidance, and genuine understanding come from God alone, accessible through His Word and by His Spirit. It reminds us not to seek answers in forbidden practices or to rely solely on human intellect, but to turn to the Lord, who delights in revealing His truth to those who seek Him with a humble and open heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with a perplexing problem or an unknown future, where do I typically turn first for answers and guidance?**
* **How does my reliance on human wisdom, expert opinions, or worldly solutions compare with my reliance on God's revealed truth and His Spirit?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be unknowingly trusting in "magicians, astrologers, or sorcerers" (i.e., worldly wisdom or practices) instead of God's sovereign wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuchadnezzar demand that his wise men tell him the dream, not just interpret it?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's demand was a crucial test of authenticity and a display of his frustration. He had forgotten the dream, yet its profound impact left him deeply troubled. By requiring his wise men not only to interpret but first to reveal the dream's content, he aimed to expose any charlatans who might simply invent an interpretation. He sought undeniable proof of their supernatural insight and a validation of their claims to divine knowledge. This extreme demand highlighted the inherent limitations of human wisdom and set the stage for God's true revelation through Daniel, demonstrating that only the divine could truly know hidden things, as seen later in [Daniel 2:27-28](/daniel/2-27-28 "Daniel 2:27-28 - Daniel's Declaration of God's Ability to Reveal Secrets").

**What was the role of "Chaldeans" in ancient Babylon, and why are they listed alongside magicians and sorcerers?**

Answer: In the context of Daniel 2, "Chaldeans" refers not merely to the ethnic inhabitants of Chaldea (a region of Babylonia) but specifically to an elite, highly educated class of priests, scholars, and astrologers. They were considered the most learned and influential among the "wise men," renowned for their expertise in astronomy, divination, and various occult sciences. They are listed alongside magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers to emphasize that the king had summoned every category of learned and occult practitioner in his kingdom, leaving no stone unturned in his desperate search for answers. Their inclusion underscores the comprehensiveness of the king's consultation and the collective failure of all human-derived wisdom when confronted with a truly divine mystery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:2, with its vivid depiction of human wisdom's utter failure to grasp divine mystery, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's truth in Jesus Christ. The "wise men" of Babylon, despite their accumulated knowledge and occult practices, could not discern the king's forgotten dream, highlighting humanity's inherent inability to comprehend spiritual realities apart from divine intervention. This profound inadequacy points forward to the coming of Christ, who is Himself "the wisdom of God and the power of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). Unlike the Babylonian advisors who could only offer human speculation, Jesus does not merely interpret mysteries; He *is* the mystery revealed, the very embodiment of God's truth and eternal plan. In Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The dramatic failure of human wisdom in Daniel 2:2 underscores the absolute necessity of God's self-revelation, culminating in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. Through Him, all things are made known, and in Him, all the promises of God find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - For All the Promises of God Find Their Yes in Him")). He is the ultimate "revealer of secrets," not through human arts or divination, but through His divine nature and His completed mission of redemption.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 1:20

And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm.

Daniel 4:6

Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise [men] of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

Exodus 7:11

Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

Genesis 41:8

And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but [there was] none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

Daniel 2:10

The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore [there is] no king, lord, nor ruler, [that] asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

Daniel 5:7

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. [And] the king spake, and said to the wise [men] of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Isaiah 47:12

Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.